The challenges faced by commoners marrying into royal families are discussed in a series of articles. Some of these commoners found it easy to fit into royal life, while some did not. This article, the first in the series, looks at the marriages of current rulers who married commoners.

This is the first part of a series of articles on royal-commoner marriages. The second part, which looks at the current generation of crown princes and princesses and their younger siblings, is being prepared now. I'm sure Duke of Marmalade would welcome feedback on the first article and suggestions for the second!

Well I still think love is love whether you are royal or not. I say go for it! Why not? If you are in love with a prince or princess and he/she is in love with you, more power to you. Difficult, yes, but not impossible. Great article.

Something that could be related: I know someone related to the sister of the late Pier Gerlofs Donia, last king of all Frisians. He is a direct decendent to Donia's sister Tijdt, a Frisian noblewomen from the 1600s. He can trace back his family back to the crusades like the great Pier Gerlofs Donia proudly did some 500 years ago already. I myself am related to Wijerd Jelckama, nephew to Pier Gerlofs Donia.